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Substitutes for Condensed Milk in Baking: Baking Guide

Find the best substitutes for condensed milk in baking. Learn about evaporated milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, and other baking alternatives with proper ratios.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for condensed milk in baking are Evaporated Milk + Sugar, Heavy Cream + Sugar, Coconut Milk + Sugar, and Milk + Sugar + Butter. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your recipe needs.

Best Substitutes

Evaporated Milk + Sugar

1 cup evaporated milk + 1 1/4 cups sugar = 1 cup condensed milk

Concentrated milk with added sugar that creates the same thick, sweet consistency as condensed milk. Perfect substitute for most baking applications.

Best for:

cakescookiespiesdessertswhen you need exact consistency

Heat evaporated milk and sugar until dissolved and mixture thickens. Use in same amounts for best results. Most similar to condensed milk in baking.

Heavy Cream + Sugar

1 cup heavy cream + 3/4 cup sugar = 1 cup condensed milk

Rich cream with added sugar that provides extra creaminess and sweetness. Perfect substitute for rich baked goods.

Best for:

rich cakescookiespiesdessertswhen you want extra creaminess

Simmer until reduced by half and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Richer than condensed milk in baking.

Coconut Milk + Sugar

1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup sugar = 1 cup condensed milk

Plant-based milk with added sugar that provides similar creaminess with coconut flavor. Perfect substitute for vegan baking.

Best for:

vegan cakesdairy-free cookiestropical piesdessertsbaking

Simmer until reduced and thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Adds subtle coconut flavor to baked goods.

Milk + Sugar + Butter

1 cup milk + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter = 1 cup condensed milk

Regular milk with added sugar and butter that creates similar sweetness and richness. Good substitute for most baking applications.

Best for:

cakescookiespiesdessertswhen you want simple alternative

Heat milk, sugar, and butter until thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Good for most baking recipes.

Half and Half + Sugar

1 cup half and half + 1 cup sugar = 1 cup condensed milk

Half milk and half cream with added sugar that provides similar creaminess and sweetness. Good substitute for most baking applications.

Best for:

cakescookiespiesdessertswhen you want moderate richness

Heat half and half and sugar until thickened. Use in same amounts for best results. Good balance of richness in baking.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Condensed milk substitutes can be used in the same way as condensed milk in most baking recipes
  • 💡For cakes, evaporated milk + sugar works best as a substitute
  • 💡For cookies, heavy cream + sugar works best as a substitute
  • 💡For pies, coconut milk + sugar works best as a substitute
  • 💡Condensed milk substitutes add sweetness and creaminess to baked goods
  • 💡Store condensed milk substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡For best results, taste and adjust sweetness when using condensed milk substitutes in baking

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for condensed milk in baking?

The best substitutes for condensed milk in baking are evaporated milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), heavy cream + sugar (1:1 ratio), coconut milk + sugar (1:1 ratio), or milk + sugar + butter (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your recipe needs.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk in baking?

Yes, evaporated milk can be used instead of condensed milk in baking, but you need to add sugar. Use 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 1/4 cups sugar for every 1 cup of condensed milk.

What's the best substitute for condensed milk in cakes?

Evaporated milk + sugar is the best substitute for condensed milk in cakes. It has the most similar consistency and sweetness to condensed milk.

Can I use heavy cream instead of condensed milk in baking?

Yes, heavy cream can be used instead of condensed milk in baking, but you need to add sugar and reduce it. Use 1 cup heavy cream + 3/4 cup sugar, simmered until reduced by half.

What's the best substitute for condensed milk in cookies?

Heavy cream + sugar is the best substitute for condensed milk in cookies. It provides extra richness and creaminess that works well in cookie recipes.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for condensed milk in baking. Learn about evaporated milk, heavy cream, coconut milk, and other baking alternatives with proper ratios.